Norfolk Rural Community Council is running projects in Cromer, Blakeney and Hunstanton and will be looking to bring empty properties back into use as affordable housing.

Project officer Barry Duffin said the group was inspired by the success of the Homes for Wells project which, since its launch in 2006, has provided housing for over 50 people,

“We thought that this project can’t be unique for Wells,” he said.

“We are running with Cromer, Blakeney and Hunstanton initially but we would like to get more on board because it does work.”

Mr Duffin said anyone could get involved including owners of empty holiday homes who could offer short hold tenancies.

He added: “We are always looking at the good will of others and we are determined to find affordable housing for everyone as it’s something we need in Norfolk.”

The council also plans to create a Community Land Trust in each of the areas and is looking for two other parishes within the Norfolk Coast Partnership area of outstanding natural beauty - joint sponsors of the project.

Open meetings are being held in Blakeney at the Scout Hall on September 6, Hunstanton at the Town Hall on September 18, and at Cromer Community Hall on September 27.

Both meetings start at 6pm and should finish by 8pm.

● For more details ring Mr Duffin on 01362 698216 or 07734 261251 or email barry@norfolkrcc.org.uk.

We should not have to be doing this. Just look at all the 2 bed terraced cottages, the new build bungalows and houses in all the Norfolk sections of holiday home brochures . We should be able to demand that councils require planning consent for holiday and second homes, deny the permission where the property is owned by someone with another home ( giving leeway to those who are working abroad or relocated in the UK and letting as a stop gap) and give them a year to sell and return those affordable sized homes to the full time housing stock. Shocking number of little houses in Heacham and district advertised as holiday lets, which when I was at school were lived in by locals. Affordable housing should not mean new boxes, these real homes in real villages are only unaffordable because of the second home and holiday trade. Let them occupy caravans. As for new builds being allowed to enter the holiday let market,why on earth are the district planners not putting occupancy restrictions on them. They have no trouble putting agricultural restrictions on homes farmers want to build for family and workers. The old argument that no one wants to live where the second homers have monopolised the housing stock does not wash any more, now that young couples have cars to get to jobs in Lynn Fakenham etc. Nor does the case that second homers bring more business-full time occupancy would bring business to a wider range of services and shops all year round, even if a few posh pubs had their noses put out of joint. It is time we took back swathes of Norfolk and said by all means move here and bring your money with you, but we don't want you camping for a few weeks a year in our villages. If it needs a bill through Parliament get Norman to make a start-I bet some MPs in Cornwall Devon and Dorset would back the move so sick are their young people of not being able to find homes.